Some school systems in South Carolina want permission to start their school years earlier in August so they can end their first semester before Christmas.
A Senate subcommittee approved a bill allowing schools to start August 15th instead of the third Monday in August under the current law. But there will be plenty more debate when the bill goes to the full Education Committee.
Many school districts say they would like the start date to be the second Monday in August because that would help get the 90 days for a semester in before students leave for Christmas break.
Coastal counties pushed for the later start date 10 years ago to help tourism.
Critics pointed out schools could start Aug. 15 this year and few have chosen to do so.